Congratulations to the ten winners of our second Operation Cease-Fire RAP AGAINST VIOLENCE CONTEST designed to reach into the homes, hearts, and minds of the community to spread a word-of mouth epidemic against gangs and gun violence. Over 10,000 free copies of this CD will be distributed throughout Central Florida.

     DND – Develop Not Destroy – is the message of Vol. 2, and carries with it the challenge to hip hop artists as well as community members to Step Up and Speak Out against gun violence and the culture of witness intimidation.

     Indianapolis Colts’ head ball Coach Tony Dungy said it best when he stated: “Our boys are getting a lot of wrong messages about what it means to be a man in this world, and how to act. Those sending the right message must become even bolder as positive role models for our youth.” Through our DND Vol. 2 CD, we hope our Rappers do just that - Boldly send the right message to Develop Not Destroy. It’s time for each of us to take responsibility for our neighborhoods and Step Up and Speak Out against gun violence.

I would like to acknowledge several of our partners that gave special support and financial contributions which made this second CD possible…

• Once again, to 102 JAMZ and Brighthouse Networks for joining with us for the second year and donating all that air time.
• We especially thank Keith Memoly from 102 JAMZ and Brian Craven with Brighthouse. We could not have done this without your support.
• A huge thanks to Deryle Hughes of Big Shot Studios who stepped up and saved us from disaster by donating all the studio time. Deryle “the croc man”, you are unbelievable!
• Special thanks to Rick Bertel and Joe Sutphin who again donated the limousine which adds that special touch to our recording sessions.
• To Jay Love, Kaye Dunaway, Sytonnia Moore, D-Strong, Chino, Caesar, the DJ’s at 102 JAMZ, along with DJ Recon and Sammy - thanks for all the personal time to make this project successful. To “The GAME” for recording the radio ad - keep spreading the message!
• To the members of the Street Squad at 102 JAMZ, thanks for making us a part of the team!
• To former U.S. Attorney Paul Perez, acting U.S. Attorney James Klindt, Donna Schulz, and Will Daniels from the Middle District of Florida for always championing our efforts and assistance with Project Safe Neighborhoods. Your support and leadership has made our federal-state partnership successful.
• To Crystal and the rest of the crew at Smoky Bones in Kissimmee for keeping our contest judges fed and happy.

     Of course, there are many, many others that have helped this year. To Orange/Osceola County State Attorney Lawson Lamar, Brevard County Sheriff Jack Parker, Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger, Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary, and Osceola County Sheriff Bob Hansell, for their leadership in fighting crime and help with this project. To the Chiefs of Police in Brevard and Seminole County for their continued support of Operation Cease-Fire and helping make our communities safer. To Brevard and Seminole County Weed & Seed, Rick Scott, Seminole and Orange County Safe and Drug Free Schools, Seminole County Sheriffs Office SRD/Juvenile Division, and Brevard County School Superintendent Dr. Richard DiPatri and Seminole County School Superintendent Dr. Bill Vogel for promoting the contest and working with our youth.

     To Mike Sroka, an incredibly talented producer who amazes us every time with his work. To Tim Carr, who came to our rescue, and once again helped us film and create the public service announcements. We owe you dots! To Rich LaFayette and Engineer Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering for the great work in mastering the CD.

     To our contest judges this year that we haven’t already mentioned: Bo Outlaw, Det. Barbara Bergin, Dr. Stanley Stone, and Joe Davis. You made some great choices! To Karen at 102 JAMZ for all the updates and securing our box! To Sharon, Sean, Andrew and Annie at Big Shot Studios for making the recording week run so smoothly.

To anyone else I may have overlooked thank-you for your support and remind me next time!

Finally, to all my staff that never flinched when I said “let’s do it again”, you are the best. Just wait till Volume 3!

State Attorney Norm Wolfinger
18th Judicial Circuit
Brevard and Seminole Counties, Florida